TASHKENT Iran's Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mohsen Pak-Aeen said that Tehran-Tashkent cooperation will increasingly grow on the basis of mutual interest. Speaking to the Uzbek national news agency, the ambassador said that the Islamic Republic of Iran celebrates 20th anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in an atmosphere of construction and dynamism. He said that despite pressures of the enemies in the past 20 years, Iran gained great achievements in the path of development by relying on the power of faith.

Pak-Aeen further added that Iran which used to be a mere consumer country prior to the revolution was turned into an exporter of non-oil goods in the post-revolution era. Stressing that the Islamic Republic was among the first countries which officially recognized Uzbekistan's independence, the diplomat said that Iran's foreign policy is based on understanding and mutual respect. He said currently many Iranian businessmen are involved in trade activities in Uzbekistan, adding that Iran is also utilizing some of the Uzbek potentials.

Uzbekistan exports its cotton and many other products through Iran and Mashhad-Sarakhs-Tajan railway has facilitated surface transportation between the two countries, Pak-Aeen said. Underlining the significance of the exchange of diplomatic and economic delegations between the two countries, the Iranian Ambassador expressed the hope that conclusion of agreements will further pave the way for more expanded bilateral cooperation. (IRNA)